America in considerable numbers. The colony of Liberia extends from Gallinas river to Kroo Settra, a distance of 280 miles, and about 20 or 30 miles inland along the coast. Cape Mesurado is nearly in the centre. The cape is about 70 feet above the sea-level, and is a tongue of land formed by the Mesurado river on one hand, and the ocean on the other. Upon this tongue of land the town of Monrovia stands. Though unhealthy to white people, and though it was sickly to those who first formed the colony, it is now, from clearing the land, and the erection of good houses, as healthy as most tropical situations are. The disease is fever, particularly fatal to new comers among the whites, but its effects are rapidly diminishing from improved treatment by the medical men resident there. Schools, a library, places of worship, and forts have all been erected; and the products will be valuable in a commercial view, as the soil will produce cotton, coffee, and indigo, in abundance. In short, the society under which it was established is now placed beyond all anxiety for its success; and the benevolent objects of its care-the liberated Africans from the United States, will find a comfortable home on their native soil. A cost of about 71. 10s. secures to a freed slave the home of his fathers, and 30 acres of land for cultivation. About 2000 Africans have been transported to Liberia from the United States, and upwards of 10,000 have been preserved by it from slavery. This is a noble aid to the cause of African civilization.

A Caution to Bankers, Merchants, and Manufacturers, against a Series of Commercial Frauds, prevalent throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Shaw and Co. Edinburgh.

Seemingly a well-intentioned work, which every commercial man should have in his possession, to place him upon his guard against the acts of designing and fraudulent characters, the discovery of whose nefarious operations demands a peculiar scrutiny.

Essays on the Lives of Cowper, Newton, and Heber; or an Examination of the Evidence of the Course of Nature being interrupted by the Divine Government. Fellowes.

This volume contains five essays, three of which have been already in print. They are worthy of attentive perusal, and we agree with the writer in many points. We have no space to enter into a statement of the author's reasonings, nor to give the heads of his five essays; but no one who purchases them will think his money thrown away, if he be one fond of disquisitions which tend to show us, why reason may become inert in the best endowed spirits, and how religion itself may fail in its consolations in over-excited minds, and from what causes. In the essay on "Nature and Providence," he has wasted more labour on the solemn inanity of Mr. Sadler, than all that gentleman's lucubrations are worth, and a hundred-fold more. These Essays on the whole are clever.

The Story of Ginevra, from Ariosto. Marsh.

The Orlando Furioso, translated into English verse from the Italian of Ariosto; with Notes. Vol. VIII. By WILLIAM STEWART ROSE, Esq. Murray.

The Story of Ginevra is translated into English ottiva rima after the manner of Don Juan. It is far from contemptible, though it has no peculiar claim to merit beyond its rivals already in our tongue, and cannot compete with that of Mr. Rose who has just terminated the entire poem of the Orlando Furioso-a work which will rank first among the translations from the Italian poet which our language possesses. The diligence of Mr. Rose in his undertaking has only been equalled by his fidelity, and all lovers of the themes of the olden time-all who can yet find refreshment at the simple and pure springs of romantic story, and we trust they are not a few still remaining in our degenerate days, will agree with us in opinion. We have the authority of a great Italian writer for stating that Mr. Rose is one of the first among his countrymen for knowledge of the Italian language and literature. We are of opinion that his translation will supersede Hoole altogether, when his volumes come to be printed in a compact form. Hoole has frequently clipped the original where he could not comprehend him, and given us a version far too formal and unpoetical.

A Memoir of Sebastian Cabot, with a Review of the History of Maritime Discovery. Illustrated by Documents from the Rolls, now first published. Hurst, Chance, and Co.

This is a volume of great research, published anonymously. We possess no clue to the name of one who has added the most praiseworthy zeal to the most laborious industry. An object of the author, and a very principal one, is to correct errors into which certain writers have fallen, whom it has been the fashion to regard as authorities in similar matters. Among these is Mr. Barrow, whose opinions have of late been rather unfortunate, as may be seen in the July number of Blackwood's Magazine, where a sketch has been given of the real course of the Niger, and of that assumed in the Quarterly Review in an article presumed, on strong grounds, to be that gentleman's. No one else, that we are aware, who had such good means of judging, ever dreamed that the Niger and the Nile were the same river. The idea was preposterous enough. In the present work not only is Mr. Barrow shown to be in as great an error, but in one not at all excusable, for it is a chronological blunder, resting on Mr. B.'s bare assertion. (See page 174.) Of this blunder is born a second in Dr. Lardner's Cyclopædia, where, in addition to taking Mr, Barrow's word as given above, that gentleman's equally erroneous assertion that 1661. 13s. 4d. are equal to five hundred marks, is also copied ! Again, in page 254, Mr. Barrow (the Cyclopædia copying him) is again in error, outdoing the Liverpool rail-road carriages in the rapidity of his course. Here Dr. Lardner

is the victim to his authority. Professors Leslie, Jameson, and H. Murray, Esq., in vol. i. of the Edinburgh Cabinet Library, have not been content to take Mr. Barrow as an authority; but they have testified to his learning and diligence, thereby implying that they had scrutinized the evidence upon which Mr. Barrow drew his conclusions, and were satisfied he drew them correctly! (See page 255.) There is nothing more censurable than giving a character for accuracy to any writer merely upon trust: a false character to a servant is nothing to it. The present volume is well-worthy of careful perusal by all who are interested in the progress of geographical discovery: the author has spared no pains to throw light upon his subject, and the errors of works compiled upon vague authorities are very properly exposed.

The Destinies of the British Empire; and the Duties of British Christians at the present crisis. By WILLIAM THORP. Fauntleroy and Burton,

Jun.

We took up this volume with the hope of finding something new among its contents; but we confess we were disappointed. The development of the prophecies in the Sacred Writings has been a hundred times attempted, and has failed in every instance as to satisfactory verification among the changes and scenes of our own time. We do not find in this work any rational explanation of them. There are many truisms. The author says, " may not the British empire be destroyed, as the Babylonian, the Persian, the Macedonian, and the old Roman empire were overthrown, when the purpose for which they were appointed was executed." We reply that it will-the thing requires no ghost to tell us so. Empires in all time, as well as individuals, find no reservation.

Assyria, Greece, Rome, Carthage, where are they?

At the present hour, however, we observe no signs of this destruction. The physical and moral power of the nations was never stronger, and though the time must come one day, we see nothing to alarm the feelings of Englishmen on this head at present. In the religious portion of this volume, it is to be wished there was a little more of charity exhibited even towards that church, which for 1500 years was the only living witness of the Christian faith upon the earth, notwithstanding its past and present superstitions.

Observations on Distortions of the Spine, with a few Remarks on deformities of the legs. By LIONEL J. BEALE. Pp. 102.

This is a clear intelligible treatise, free of affectation, and exhibiting in the fullest manner the deformities of which it professes to treat. It is written by one who has given no small share of attention to a subject of considerable research, and does credit both to the attainments and public spirit of its scientific author.

1 Cyclopædia: History of Maritime and Inland Discovery, vol. ii.

Satires; and The Beggar's Coin; a Poem. By JOHN RICHARD Best, Esq. Hurst, Chance, and Co.

This little volume of elegant verse will well repay the trouble of a perusal. There is feeling and taste scattered throughout; and the shorter poems proclaim that they are the productions of one who has thought much and felt deeply. The ridicule of boarding-school-girl poetry in the Satire entitled "Modern Poetry" is well-timed. Sentiment, sentiment, affected sentiment, it is justly observed is the all needful. Thus not alike condemned is every strain; But every bard invokes the age in vain. The sicklier muses well its scorn deserve, Swarming like pheasants in a game preserve. Each poet sings of love and discontent, And fancied griefs and sickly sentiment. "Tis the one cant that drowns all other cant, And every beauteous miss can now descant Upon its precious qualities, and tell

All-all... But no, she feels it all too well!

The Island Bride, in six Cantos. By the Rev. HOBART CAUNter, B.D. Second Edition.

The elegant poem before us having reached a second edition, it would be superfluous in us at the eleventh hour to go into a critical examination of its merits and defects. The alterations which the writer has made in this edition are few or not obvious to us; but we are heartily glad at finding a volume of chaste and sweet verse so successful with the public. Mr. Caunter has written nothing but what may be perused by the purest of heart and the most fastidious in poetical reading; and they who know how to appreciate the charms of a tale so simply beautiful as "The Island Bride," will not fail to prove their own just discrimination and power of innocent enjoyment, while so much around them is alloyed with false taste and poisoned by sickly affectation.

Recollections of Seven Years in the Mauritius, or Isle of France. By a Lady. J. Cawthorn.

We confess we are not much indebted to this volume for destroying our illusion respecting the History of Paul and Virginia, which story it seems has little foundation in fact, notwithstanding two wooden tombs have been erected in a garden to exhibit to strangers the place of the lovers' burial. This volume contains a good deal of information respecting the Mauritius, and may be perused with profit by those who are interested in manners and scenes in remote spots of the globe. The writer seems to be an amiable and accomplished woman.

The Etymology and Syntax; in continuation of the Elements of the Hebrew Language. By HYMAN HURWITZ. John Taylor.

We do not hesitate to pronounce this a most excellent grammar of the Hebrew language-a language consecrated by religion and antiquity, and deserving of attention, as such, from the curious scholar. Mr. Hurwitz has endeavoured to make " knowledge of the Hebrew language conducive to a philosophical insight into the structure and essential principles of language universally." He thinks that words are the signs of thoughts and not of things. He has followed the commonly received order in treating of the parts of speech, and has endeavoured to be as plain and comprehensive as possible. An appendix at the end contains extracts from scarce books in the Hebrew tongue. Great pains have been taken throughout the work, and it is no where overloaded with explanations; as much as is requisite is said and no more.

Excerpta Historica; or, Illustrations of English History. Part III. Samuel Bentley.

We see with regret that a work calculated to be so eminently useful as the present, is to be discontinued from the want of encouragement. It was undertaken with the laudable design of assisting the elucidation of public events, by the publication of cotemporary records; and, as far as it proceeded, it fully bore out the pretensions with which it was set on foot. We only regret, therefore, that our notice of such a work must terminate here.

The Life of John Walker, M.D. late Director of the Royal Jennerian and London Vaccine Institutions. By JOHN EPPS, M.D. Whittaker and Co.

The subject of this biography appears to have been one of the earliest and most zealous advocates and practisers of vaccine inoculation. It is published for the benefit of his widow, and we trust will meet with an extensive sale to repay to his relict some portion of the debt the public owe to an indefatigable labourer in the cause of humanity. Dr. Walker's life exhibits that of a man of varied talent and no mean acquirements; of considerable perseverance, steady and active. The literary part of such a volume is of secondary moment under the circumstances; but the editor seems to have been misinformed or to have hastily passed over inaccuracies which we hope he will correct if the work, as we hope it will, comes to a second edition. We learn for the first time that Charles I. of England married the Infanta of Spain; and that the troops under Sir Ralph Abercrombie in the boats were signalled to return by the admiral, who feared to destroy his men uselessly; and further we infer that Sir Ralph Abercrombie was mortally wounded in battle on the landing; which statements are all the reverse of fact. Dr. Epps is no writer, but his zeal for his friend abundantly covers his errors of authorship.

Indigenous Plants of Lanarkshire. By the Rev. W. PATRICK. Lizars, Edinburgh.

A very useful little treatise to the student in Botany, the result of much diligent investigation. It contains also an introduction for the tyro in the science, who will not fail to appreciate its usefulness.

Ethics for Children-Ethics for Youth. Pickering.

Pietas Privata—Horne's Daily Communings. Nisbet.

These four useful little works do not call for any particular remark from us, except that they seem well adapted to the objects for which they have been published, and are of neat portable sizes.

Nature Displayed in her mode of Teaching Language to Men, being a new and infallible method of acquiring Languages, &c. Adapted to the French. By N. G. DUFIEF. 12th Edition. 2 Vols. 8vo.

We need not here enter upon an explanation of the system of teaching languages adopted by M. Dufief. That system has been pretty widely made known, and, in despite of the mode "consecrated by custom," has been in principle largely adopted. The mode of teaching by terms which require a knowledge of grammar to understand them, will very shortly be generally abandoned; and grammar be the latter portion of instruction instead of the first, as in the ancient mode. We have in no case more absurdity exhibited than when we see a child told that a is an article, when it is impossible to make it comprehend what an article is. It is told that may, might, could, &c. are the subjunctive mood; but what the subjunctive mood may be, the little innocent cannot dream, and it has more than once happened that those who instruct cannot tell him. The author of the present grammar gives into none of the evils of which we speak. He teaches words first, and then sentences, and he makes the grammar come afterwards. We are of opinion that the mode of teaching adopted by him is the very best extant, and his grammar of the French tongue we recommend as the best for the beginner as well as for the initiated student in that elegant language.

Poems; by WM. DANBY, Esq. Edinburgh, H. Constable.

A little volume of poetry, which we imagine, from its not possessing any very marked character, we must set down among those of the same class of publications which rather remind us of the great prevalence of poetical feeling abroad, than yield us new matter either for applause or censure.

Manuscript Memorials. 8vo. Effingham Wilson.

An amusing little volume of odds and ends, containing many just observations, witticisms, and a sprinkling of criticism and detections of literary errors, which will amuse an idle half-hour.

Tales of a Physician. By W. H. HARRISON. Second Series.
Jennings and Chaplin.

These stories, eight in number, will be read with pleasure by all who relish a pure style and simplicity of narrative. Their end is moral; and the reader will find matter to excite and interest, as well as instruct. We can safely recommend them to the public as deserving attentive perusal which they will well repay.

FitzOrmond; or, the Rambler on the Rhine: a Metrico-political Sketch of past and present times, &c. BY CALEDONICUS. Black, Edinburgh; Longman, London.

It is a difficult thing to compose in verse the adventures of the tourist so as to invest them with interest to the general reader. The present writer has attempted this task in the ottava rima, and the public will judge of his success on the perusal. There are many good passages in the volume; and it augurs no mean skill in the writer that he has preserved a playfulness of style in his descriptions throughout, which tends to relieve the dryness of narrative and carry the reader pleasantly through the scenes he describes.

The Religion of Socrates.

Dedicated to Sceptics and Sceptic-Makers.
B. Fellowes.

This dissertation on Socrates and his philosophy is written with perspicuity and neatness, and will be read by those who feel interested on the subject with great advantage. For our own parts we do not feel inclined to enter here into an examination of the writer's ideas on the religion of the ancient philosophers, which seem nevertheless to be founded in reason and justice.

Odds and Ends, in Verse and Prose. By WILLIAM HENRY MALL, Esq. Bull.

There are in this volume four or five of the etchings of G. Cruikshank in his everdiverting and ever-varying manner. His sketch of the Cat in Grief is excellent. We have heard of gilding a pill to make it pass, and we suppose Cruikshank is to be considered the gold in this volume, for the literary matter it contains is some degrees under the standard of modern mediocrity.

Selections from Wordsworth, chiefly for the use of Schools and Young Persons. Moxon.

The selections call for no particular observations from us, save that they do not appear to be so judiciously chosen as they might have been by one who professes to be an admirer of Mr. Wordsworth's school of poetry.

Cartonensia; or, an Historical and Critical Account of the Tapestries in the palace of the Vatican, &c. By the Rev. W. GUNN, B.D. Ridgway.

This is a work principally interesting to artists and amateurs; and will be valued for the information it contains, and as a record of the noble works of Raphael to which it relates. We do not think the author hits all the causes of the non-estimation of high art in England. The obliquity in taste and understanding of many individuals who have been looked upon as patrons of art is one great cause. Fashion in England governing every thing is another. It has been for years, for example, the fashion to imagine that Lord Farnborough is a consummate judge of art: his Lordship was a sort of jackal to George IV. in providing his collections; and the Dutch School comprehending all his Lordship's ideas of high art, Dutch pictures have become the rage-a fat burgher of the dykes being estimated higher than an apostle in the Cartoons, and the fat Dutchman's fat wife outshining a female of Guido. No one consequently thinks of buying any but Dutch pictures -here is a cause not touched upon by Mr. Gunn, and there are several others which might be mentioned.